Nearly half of ‘squatter’ houses moved to make way for Bangkok promenade

national November 24, 2017 10:16

By The Nation

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The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration has relocated almost 50 per cent of the houses of squatters along the Chao Phraya River banks to pave the way for the controversial 14-kilometre river walkways project, a BMA deputy governor said on Friday.

BMA deputy governor Chakkaphan Phiewngam said the relocation would definitely be completed early next year.

So far, 138 houses and 282 squatter families have been relocated, leaving 144 houses to be moved, he said.

The BMA has budgetted Bt104.53 million for the house relocation. Each family was initially given 50 per cent compensation, with the rest to follow after relocation of the houses is completed, Chakkaphan said.

He said the BMA is also holding talks with operators of nine private ferry piers on the river to relocate their piers to make way for the promenade construction.